Review: FOSSILS at 59E59 is Like No Other Show

The US premiere of FOSSILS, devised by Bucket Club and directed by Nel Crouch, is now being performed at 59E59 Theaters through May 14th. This is a show like no other. It has an intriguing plot that is conveyed with clever staging and ingenious storytelling devices. Performed in an intimate theatre space, it mesmerizes the audience from the first minute to the last. FOSSILS is part of the Brits Off-Broadway festival of plays that will be onstage at 59E59 Theaters through July 2nd.

In FOSSILS, Vanessa is a serious, driven young women who is completing her Post Doctoral research in Evolutionary Biology by investigating extinct fish. With a professorship in her future, her life seems totally devoted to science as she supervises two doctoral students, Dominic and Glenn in the laboratory. But Vanessa's past comes back to haunt her when a new photograph surfaces of the Loch Ness Monster. In hopes being published in a high profile nature magazine, she reviews studies of the legendary beast that were made by her long lost father who was also a scientist. Practical matters collide with personal feelings when Dominic and Vanessa take an excursion to Loch Ness. And it is there that Vanessa learns some surprising facts when she unexpectedly meets up with her brother, Glenn.

The cast of FOSSILS is ideal in their roles. Helen Vinten is excellent in the role of Vanessa whose top priority seems to be her career. Adam Farrell portrays Dominic who is glib and easy-going and Luke Murphy plays serious-minded Myles. Both Farrell and Murphy seamlessly assume other roles to round out the story.

Special touches make this show pop. Clever props include illuminated tanks and dinosaur figurines. And the musical effects with live electronic sound help to bring the mood of the show to life. The talented design team includes production design by Rebecca Jane Wood; lighting design by Joe Price; sound design and music by David Ridley. The AEA Stage Manager is Whitney M. Keeter and the Producer is Matt Lister.

FOSSILS is a truly fascinating show. You will be thinking about it long after the curtain call. Invite a friend and see it while it is on at 59E59 Theaters.

FOSSILS is presented by Bucket Club, in association with Farnham Maltings. The show will be performed at 59E59 Theaters for a limited engagement through Sunday, May 14. It runs for 65 minutes with no intermission. The theater is located at 59 East 59th Street (between Madison and Park Avenues). The performance schedule is Tuesday - Thursday at 7:30 PM; Friday at 8:30 PM; Saturday at 2:30 PM & 8:30 PM; and Sunday at 3:30 PM. Tickets are $25 ($20 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or visit www.59e59.org.

Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg

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